Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
Article Source: Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Last Updated: 18 April 2024 10:56
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by timber-frame specialists Fleming Homes, returns to the SEC on May 11-12 2024.
You can register for 2 free tickets, worth £24* - by following this link: glasgow.homebuildingshow.co.uk
With so much to see and do, how do you get the most out of your visit?
As show sponsors and seasoned exhibitors, Fleming Homes has designed and delivered over 2000 bespoke timber frame homes. We asked MD Sarah Mathieson what her top tips are for visitors to this year’s show.
Sarah said ‘No matter what stage your project is at, self-build shows are fantastic places for inspiration and information gathering. However, if you don’t want to experience the event as a mind-boggling panoply of options, it’s good to come prepared. My advice would be:
Do your homework
The Homebuilding & Renovating show provides a list of exhibitors on its website, which enables you to research them online before you get there. Make a list of those companies you want to meet, download a floor plan, and highlight the location of the stands you want to visit. Remember to pick up a free show guide when you arrive.
Book ahead
Self-build shows are great opportunities to meet the people behind the companies you’re interested in. Many businesses set aside time for one-to-one meetings, so instead of waiting around at busy stands to speak to the people you want to, contact them in advance and book a time slot.
Sort your seminars
From timber frames to triple glazing, costing your home to switches and sockets, there will be a masterclass or seminar designed to make self-building easier. With a wide range of topics to choose from and an excellent lineup of experts, check out timings in advance and plan your day around the talks that will help fill in your knowledge gaps.
Compare and contrast
There’s no better way to compare products and services from different providers than when they are all together under the same roof. Take time to compare the various companies, what they offer, and anything else that matters to you, such as ethos. Shows are a great way to get a sense of how companies treat their customers!
Be bold
Exhibitors are there to meet YOU; don’t be shy! Get stuck in, tell them about your self-build project, and find out how they can help you. If you already have plans drawn up, take them with you.
Don’t get weighed down
Glossy brochures are hard to resist, and it won’t take long before you find yourself lugging around a significant weight. Make sure you wear comfy shoes and bring a rucksack, or invest in a bag on wheels. Better still, look for QR codes or visit websites when you return home.
Be good to yourself
Shows are tiring: there’s a good chance you’ll walk further than you thought possible under one roof and be reeling from all the information you have absorbed. Factor in some treats to keep you going. Whether that’s your favourite takeaway at the end of the day or regular stops for coffee and cake, don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done!”
*Saving based on two full priced tickets. Offer ends 3pm 10th May. Children aged 16 and under go free.
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Community group celebrates four years of success thanks to green funding
A once little-known and unmanaged woodland in South Lanarkshire is now a vibrant outdoor learning space, thanks to a £117k renewables grant.
READ MORE
Enjoy the inaugural Haunted Hatchlings Duck Dash: Curse of the Black Lade at New Lanark World Heritage Site this Halloween
For the first time this Halloween, the quiet world heritage village of New Lanark will gather for a Haunted Duck Race down the 'eerie' Lade, the water channel conveying water to the mill-wheel.
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Motherwell shopper scoops cash for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland's much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Motherwell, and one lucky local winner has raised £456.89 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in for herself.
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Zombies break out of M&Ds Scream Park
Shoppers and local businesses in Motherwell's Brandon Street got more than they bargained for when they came face to face with some escaped zombies from M&D's Scotland's Scream Park.
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORE
Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge
Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORE
Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue
Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MORE
Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween
Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORE
LAMS announce Charity Partner for We Will Rock You!
Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have announced local charity ‘The Brian Reilly Music Fellowship’ (BRMF) as Charity Partner for their 2026 Production of We Will Rock You!
READ MORE
Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut
Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!
READ MORE
SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MORE
A new community play celebrating Billy Connolly and his links to Cumbernauld comes to the stage this Autumn
Connolly's Cumbernauld Flourish is a community celebration of Billy Connolly's life and the legendary comedian's connection to Cumbernauld.
READ MORE
Beat the Street CamGlen is go!
Beat the Street, the free active travel game has launched for the residents of Cambuslang and Rutherglen.
READ MORE
Autumn adventures await at New Lanark: craft, mystery & stargazing magic
Get ready for a thrilling mix of creativity, mystery and starlit wonder at New Lanark this autumn.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links